Teach. Play. Love. Parenting Advice for the Early Years

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 92 | REPLAY: The Benefits of Chores in Young Children | TPL Aug 25, 2026

Show notes

One of our most popular parenting topics is back. In this episode, Rachel and Claire discuss why chores are more than household tasks. Discover how age-appropriate responsibilities help children develop confidence, independence, and a sense of accomplishment, with practical tips for getting started at every age. ______________________________________________________ Streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Have a parenting question or story to share? Email us at tplpodcast@brighthorizons.com and your question could be featured on a future episode! Don't forget to subscribe to catch future episodes where we explore the real-life strategies for parenting in the early years. Follow Bright Horizons for more insights: Instagram: @brighthorizons LinkedIn: Bright Horizons Facebook: @BrightHorizons X (Twitter): @BrightHorizons Produced by Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc.

Ep.. 91 | REPLAY: Encouraging Independence and Self-Help Skills | TPL Jul 28, 2026

Show notes

Some parenting questions remain relevant no matter a child's age or stage. In this replay episode, early education experts Rachel Robertson and Claire Goss explore why independence and self-help skills are critical to child development and share practical ways families can help children build confidence, capability, and self-reliance. ______________________________________________________ Streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Have a parenting question or story to share? Email us at tplpodcast@brighthorizons.com and your question could be featured on a future episode! Don't forget to subscribe to catch future episodes where we explore the real-life strategies for parenting in the early years. Follow Bright Horizons for more insights: Instagram: @brighthorizons LinkedIn: Bright Horizons Facebook: @BrightHorizons X (Twitter): @BrightHorizons Produced by Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc.

Ep. 90 | Borrow My Calm: Helping Kids (and Ourselves) Regulate Big Emotions | TPL Jun 23, 2026

Show notes

What does it really mean to be "regulated" and why does it feel so much harder when kids are involved? In this episode, Claire and Rachel break down the science and the reality of emotional regulation for both children and adults. Explore. You'll learn why regulation is a skill that takes time, practice, and support to build and how to support co‑regulation with practical, playful strategies you can start using today. ______________________________________________________ Streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Have a parenting question or story to share? Email us at tplpodcast@brighthorizons.com and your question could be featured on a future episode! Don't forget to subscribe to catch future episodes where we explore the real-life strategies for parenting in the early years. Follow Bright Horizons for more insights: Instagram: @brighthorizons LinkedIn: Bright Horizons Facebook: @BrightHorizons X (Twitter): @BrightHorizons Produced by Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc.

Ep. 89 | REPLAY: Traveling with Children | TPL May 26, 2026

Show notes

Traveling with kids is a popular parenting topic and for good reason. In this replay of a listener‑favorite episode, Rachel and Claire share their own family travel experiences along with simple, practical tips to help you plan your next trip. Family travel isn't always easy, but it's often worth it. This episode encourages realistic expectations, getting kids involved, and savoring the moments that turn into meaningful memories. ______________________________________________________ Streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Have a parenting question or story to share? Email us at tplpodcast@brighthorizons.com and your question could be featured on a future episode! Don't forget to subscribe to catch future episodes where we explore the real-life strategies for parenting in the early years. Follow Bright Horizons for more insights: Instagram: @brighthorizons LinkedIn: Bright Horizons Facebook: @BrightHorizons X (Twitter): @BrightHorizons Produced by Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc.

Ep. 88 | Serve and Return: Build Your Child's Brain Through Interactions | TPL Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

One of the easiest ways to support your young child's development? Everyday back-and-forth interactions. In this episode, Rachel and Claire explain "serve and return," why it matters, and how to do it – even with newborns. Plus, tips like using parentese to build language and connection. No apps, no flashcards, just you and your child. ______________________________________________________ Streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Have a parenting question or story to share? Email us at tplpodcast@brighthorizons.com and your question could be featured on a future episode! Don't forget to subscribe to catch future episodes where we explore the real-life strategies for parenting in the early years. Follow Bright Horizons for more insights: Instagram: @brighthorizons LinkedIn: Bright Horizons Facebook: @BrightHorizons X (Twitter): @BrightHorizons Produced by Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc.

Ep. 87 | REPLAY: How to Approach Hitting and Biting | TPL Mar 24, 2026

Show notes

Biting, hitting, kicking, yelling "I hate you!" – big behaviors can overwhelm young children and adults alike. Why do these outbursts happen and how can you respond? Early childhood experts Rachel Robertson and Claire Goss unpack the common causes behind physical aggression, how to handle it in the moment, and what you can do to help your child build healthier emotional and communication skills. ______________________________________________________ Streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Have a parenting question or story to share? Email us at tplpodcast@brighthorizons.com and your question could be featured on a future episode! Don't forget to subscribe to catch future episodes where we explore the real-life strategies for parenting in the early years. Follow Bright Horizons for more insights: Instagram: @brighthorizons LinkedIn: Bright Horizons Facebook: @BrightHorizons X (Twitter): @BrightHorizons Produced by Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc.

Ep. 86 | Bedtime Struggles and How to Handle Them | TPL Feb 24, 2026

Show notes

Bedtime can be sweet… or a total showdown. In this episode, we unpack why young kids resist sleep and share simple, proven strategies to make evenings calmer. From creating a routine that sticks to giving kids choices that work, you'll learn how to turn bedtime from chaos to connection. Tune in for tips you can use tonight! ______________________ Streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Have a parenting question or story to share? Email us at tplpodcast@brighthorizons.com and your question could be featured on a future episode! Don't forget to subscribe to catch future episodes where we explore the real-life strategies for parenting in the early years. Follow Bright Horizons for more insights: Instagram: @brighthorizons LinkedIn: Bright Horizons Facebook: @BrightHorizons X (Twitter): @BrightHorizons Produced by Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc.

Ep. 85 | Picky Eating—Why It Happens and What Helps | TPL Jan 27, 2026

Show notes

Struggling with picky eating at home? You're not alone! In this episode, Rachel and Claire explain why picky eating is a typical occurrence with young kids and share practical, research-backed tips to make mealtimes less stressful. Learn how to introduce new foods without pressure, create a positive mealtime routine, and keep nutrition on track without turning your kitchen into a short-order diner. Streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Have a parenting question or story to share? Email us at tplpodcast@brighthorizons.com and your question could be featured on a future episode! Don't forget to subscribe to catch future episodes where we explore the real-life strategies for parenting in the early years. Follow Bright Horizons for more insights: Instagram: @brighthorizons LinkedIn: Bright Horizons Facebook: @BrightHorizons X (Twitter): @BrightHorizons Produced by Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc.

Ep. 84 | Inspiring a Lifetime of Reading | TPL Dec 23, 2025

Show notes

Join us live from the NAEYC Annual Conference as we celebrate 25 years of Bright Horizons' Growing Readers program and explore how to spark a lifelong love of reading. ___________ Hosts Claire and Rachel share research on nationwide declining reading habits, why early literacy matters, and practical tips for families – from creating cozy reading spaces and choosing high-quality books to making reading fun with props, voices, and routines. Hear insights from seasoned educators on fostering joy in reading for infants, toddlers, and beyond. ___________ Streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Have a parenting question or story to share? Email us at tplpodcast@brighthorizons.com and your question could be featured on a future episode! Don't forget to subscribe to catch future episodes where we explore the real-life strategies for parenting in the early years. Follow Bright Horizons for more insights: Instagram: @brighthorizons LinkedIn: Bright Horizons Facebook: @BrightHorizons X (Twitter): @BrightHorizons Produced by Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc.

Ep. 83 | Helping Kids Feel Capable: The Power of Agency | TPL Nov 25, 2025

Show notes

Ever heard your child's teacher mention "agency" and wondered what it actually means? In this episode, Claire and Rachel unpack this buzzword and explore how agency—your child's ability to make choices, take initiative, and persist through challenges—can shape everything from friendships to future careers. With relatable stories, expert-backed insights, and practical strategies you can use at home (yes, even with toddlers!), we'll help you nurture confidence and independence in your little one—without adding another item to your parenting to-do list. Streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Have a parenting question or story to share? Email us at tplpodcast@brighthorizons.com and your question could be featured on a future episode! Don't forget to subscribe to catch future episodes where we explore the real-life strategies for parenting in the early years. Follow Bright Horizons for more insights: Instagram: @brighthorizons LinkedIn: Bright Horizons Facebook: @BrightHorizons X (Twitter): @BrightHorizons Produced by Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc.

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